What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small screw or post that replaces the root of a natural tooth. There are three main components to this treatment.
Implant Post
An implant post acts like an artificial tooth root. The small screw is inserted surgically into your jaw during a short procedure. It typically takes an hour or less to place a single dental implant.
Implant Abutment
An abutment is a connector that is attached to the implant screw and protrudes above your gums. It is used to support an implant restoration securely.
Implant Restoration
An implant restoration artificially replaces one or more teeth. Single dental implants can secure single-implant crowns. We can place multiple implants to secure a dental bridge, or dental implants can hold a denture firmly in place in the mouth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment is widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, and there are several reasons for this, which we’ve outlined below.
- Treatment provides teeth that are stable, strong, and durable.
- Dental implant teeth have a greater biting and chewing strength, allowing for an increased choice of foods. Better nutrition can positively benefit overall health.
- Implant posts help protect and stimulate the jawbone, preventing jawbone resorption.
- Dental implants help to preserve facial structure by providing adequate support for the muscles in your cheeks and lips.
- Implants are self-supporting, so there is no need to reshape adjacent teeth, which is the case for traditional bridges.
- Dental implant treatment can improve overall quality of life, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You must be aged over 18 for treatment because your teeth and jaws need to have finished growing and developing. It doesn’t matter if you are older, and treatment can help people who may have lost teeth decades ago.
Other important considerations include:
- Good overall health, as some conditions can affect the immune system and may impact the ability to heal after implant surgery.
- Good dental health, or a willingness to receive treatment to address any dental issues before implant surgery.
- Good jawbone density to support the implants, although we can address any deficiencies with bone grafting.
- Have lost one or more teeth or are facing tooth loss.
- Find it tricky to wear dentures comfortably, or do not wish to wear dentures.
- Are a non-smoker or are unwilling to quit during treatment, as smoking can severely impact healing, increasing the risk of implant failure.
- Are committed to good ongoing oral care, as your implants must be kept clean and regularly maintained to avoid infection and possible failure.
Types of Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment is versatile and suitable for single or multiple tooth loss, as well as when an entire arch of teeth is missing. Treatment options include:
- Single dental implants.
- Front tooth implants.
- Full mouth dental implants.
- All-on-four dental implants, where a complete arch is restored using just four or six dental implants.
- Denture implants.
- Zirconia implants that are entirely metal-free.
- Immediate dental implants.
You can learn more about each of the above treatments on their dedicated webpages.
Each treatment is used in specific situations, so when you visit us for your initial consultation, we can discuss your treatment goals, assess the number of teeth that need replacement, and provide a suitable custom treatment plan.
The Dental Implant Procedure Step-By-Step
Everyone’s experience will be slightly different, as your treatment is fully customized. Below is a guideline of what to expect, but we can provide you with more precise information after your initial visit.
Consultation
You will need a comprehensive consultation with our dental implant dentist. During this appointment, we assess your dental and medical health, discuss your treatment goals, and discuss potential dental implant costs. We can provide a firm quotation after conducting diagnostic tests and planning treatment.
Diagnostics
Digital dental X-rays and a cone-beam CT scan are required for your customized treatment plan. These diagnostic images reveal the quality and quantity of the jawbone available, enabling us to determine if procedures such as bone grafting or tooth extraction are necessary. The images are used to plan your implant surgery if you decide to proceed.
Our dentist will discuss your treatment plan in detail, allowing you to choose a suitable option tailored to your needs.
Planning Your Computer-Guided Implant Surgery
Every implant treatment is performed using computer-guided surgery, where we use diagnostic images to identify the optimal location, depth, and angulation for each implant. This ensures maximum use of your jawbone in areas where it is thickest and strongest, and that once restored, your dental implants will look and feel good, with optimal functionality.
After finalizing your treatment plan, we create a custom stent, a surgical template used during your treatment, which guides our dentist and replicates your implant plan precisely during your computer-guided dental implant surgery.
Tooth Extraction and Dental Bone Grafting If Required
Not everyone will need teeth extracted or a dental bone graft. However, if these processes are necessary to prepare your mouth, they may be carried out as a standalone treatment, where you are sent home to heal afterward. Alternatively, we may be able to extract the tooth, place a small amount of bone grafting material, and then insert the dental implant at the same time.
Preparing for Implant Placement Surgery
We will give you detailed information on how to prepare for your implant placement surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medications beforehand, and we can advise you if you need to stop eating and drinking by a specific time.
If necessary, we can offer sedation dentistry, and our team includes an anesthesiologist who ensures that all sedatives are administered safely. You will be monitored continuously during your treatment, ensuring you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Implant Placement Surgery
Your mouth is numbed before we begin. This stage can be completed after receiving sedation dentistry for added comfort.
The surgical stent is placed over your gums so that the implant dentist can make small incisions in precisely the right location, exposing your jawbone. Tiny holes are created in your jaw so the implant screws can be inserted and tightened or torqued into position.
Your gum is stitched in position and left to heal.
Abutment Placement
The abutment may be attached to your implants soon after surgery, for example, if you have immediate dental implants that are restored and fitted with a temporary dental appliance on the same day.
Alternatively, the implant may be left to heal for several months before the abutment is placed. The type of abutment used depends on your final restoration.
Final Restoration Placement
The final stage is to make and fit your permanent restoration, whether that’s a crown, bridge, or denture.
- Recovery after Implant Surgery
- Minor Discomfort and Swelling
- Osseointegration
Recovery after Implant Surgery
You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to look after your mouth while it heals. Below are some guidelines on what you can expect. We are always available if you have further questions or concerns.
Minor Discomfort and Swelling
If you receive only one dental implant, the discomfort is likely to be minimal. Otherwise, common side effects include swelling and some discomfort, which should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. We may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection; if so, please take the complete course.
Osseointegration
During the healing process, a phase called osseointegration must occur, where the implant becomes firmly fused in the jawbone as new bone is deposited on and around it. The process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months or longer, depending on your ability to heal.
Dietary Choices During Healing
The implant mustn’t be disturbed during osseointegration. During this time, you may need to follow a soft food diet to protect your implant. There is no need to worry, as we will provide you with full instructions on what is safe to eat and what’s best avoided, and when you can begin introducing harder foods back into your diet.
If you have just one or two dental implants, you can generally follow your normal diet but avoid biting on the implants until healing is complete.
The Importance of Follow-Up Visits
Dental implants are designed to last many years, but only if you care for them properly.
Daily Oral Care
We will provide full instructions on thoroughly cleaning around your implants, including the best tools to use.
It’s vital to maintain a good daily oral care routine, as otherwise the bone and gum around your implants could become infected and inflamed. There is a potential that you could lose the implants to a condition similar to gum disease called peri-implantitis.
Regular Dental Checkups and Hygiene Appointments
Schedule regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments to assess the condition of your implants and clean around them professionally. If needed, we can provide any maintenance.
Potential Risks of Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery is a low-risk procedure, especially as we take extensive precautions to carefully screen each patient before recommending it. However, with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications that could include:
- Infection soon after implant placement or years later.
- Nerve damage that may be temporary or permanent.
- Oral bleeding.
- Damage to the sinus cavities when restoring upper back teeth.
- Failure of the implant to osseointegrate with the surrounding bone.
Allergic reactions to titanium implants are very rare. We can discuss metal-free implants made entirely from ceramics if you have concerns about metal sensitivities.
Our dental implant surgeons are extremely experienced. We use top-of-the-range implant components, and implants are planned and placed using the very latest techniques and technologies.
We take every precaution to ensure that your implant treatment is a complete success.
What Our
Patients Say
Our patients’ voices truly speak for us. Here, you’ll find real stories from people who entrusted us with their dental care, sharing what brought them through our doors and how their lives changed after treatment. These honest reflections highlight the confidence, comfort, and transformation our team strives to deliver with every smile.
I had an excellent experience at NYC Dental Implants Center! From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming, professional, and attentive. Dr. Navid Rahmani and his team explained every step of my procedure clearly, making me feel completely comfortable and confident.
BZ happy customer
I had an amazing experience.April and the rest of the staff there are really amazing. The visits were overall wonderful. I was informed of my options to rectify my dental issues in a clear manner. Very thankful.
Melissa Colladohappy customer
I needed a specialist that can perform a procedure for multiple dental implants and gum surgery. Dr Rahmani is amazing, his knowledge when it comes to oral health is unmatched. His office is super high tech. I highly recommend him.
Gary Pyatigorsky happy customer
I had my first appointment on Friday for an evaluation. From the moment I arived til the moment I left I had a most wonderful experience. Warm, attentive, caring, intelligent and delightful. I lookforward to the next process.
Jean Worth happy customer
FAQ
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
We can provide a proper estimate based on the number of teeth to be replaced and the implant system you choose. We offer affordable dental implants, but our primary focus is on the quality and longevity of your implants. To ensure this, we use only high-quality components and the finest materials.
While you may see cheap dental implants advertised by other dental clinics, treatment may not cover all the diagnostics or additional procedures needed. They may not use top-quality components from reputable implant companies.
Will Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Some insurance policies may cover part of the implant treatment. Increasingly, it is being regarded as a necessary procedure rather than a cosmetic one. It’s best to contact your insurance provider or talk to our friendly dental team.
Can Implants Be Completed on the Same Day?
Sometimes we can place and restore dental implants on the same day of surgery. Remember, the restoration is likely temporary as osseointegration must still occur. Not everybody is suitable for this technique, and we will always recommend the procedure we know will provide the best long-term outcome, even if it takes a bit longer initially to complete.
Are Dental Implants Safe for Older Adults?
Many older adults have already benefited from implant treatment, and we will only recommend this procedure after carefully assessing your dental and medical health. If you have any medical issues, it’s still worthwhile scheduling an initial appointment at NYC Dentistry Center. Some issues, like diabetes, will not prevent you from having implants, provided the condition is carefully controlled.
If we determine you are suitable for implants, we may need to liaise with your primary healthcare providers during your treatment to ensure any procedure we provide is safe and appropriate.